Consider the following statements: Coke is one of the materials of the charge added to blast furnace for the production of steel/iron. Its function is to 1. act as a reducing agent. 2. remove silica associated with the iron ore. 3. function as fuel, to supply heat. 4. act as an oxidizing agent. Of these statements:

1. The question asks about the function of coke added to a blast furnace for steel/iron production. 2. Statement 1: Coke (primarily carbon) acts as a reducing agent. At high temperatures in the furnace, carbon reacts with iron oxides (Fe₂O₃, Fe₃O₄) in the iron ore, reducing them to molten iron (Fe). This is a primary function. Correct. 3. Statement 2: Coke does not remove silica. Limestone (calcium carbonate) is added as a flux, which reacts with impurities like silica to form slag, removing them. Incorrect. 4. Statement 3: Coke combustion provides the high temperatures necessary for the reactions in the blast furnace. It functions as the primary fuel. Correct. 5. Statement 4: Coke acts as a reducing agent, not an oxidizing agent. Incorrect. 6. Therefore, the correct functions of coke are as a reducing agent (1) and as a fuel (3). 7. This corresponds to option (C).